Audio By Carbonatix
All Singapore citizens aged 21 and above will get a one-off “SG Bonus” of up to S$300 each as the 2017 budget came in with a surplus of almost S$10 billion (US $7.6 billion), the city-state’s finance minister announced on Monday.
Finance minister Heng Swee Keat made the announcement during his budget speech in Parliament, describing the bonus as a “hongbao”, the Mandarin word for a monetary gift given on special occasions.
He said this “reflects the government’s long-standing commitment to share of the fruits of Singapore’s development with Singaporeans”, according to Channel News Asia.
The “SG Bonus” will cost the government S$700 million (US $533 million).
The bonus will be paid according to people’s assessable income. About 2.7 million people will get the payouts, which are due by the end of 2018.
Those with an income of S$28,000 or below will be eligible to receive S$300, those whose incomes ranging from S$28,001 to S$100,000 will receive S$200, and those with incomes in excess of S$100,000 will receive S$100.
Singapore’s revised budget for fiscal 2017 showed a surplus of S$9.61 billion, thanks to contributions from statutory boards and higher-than-expected stamp duty.
The surplus will also be used in other ways. Heng said S$5 billion will be set aside for the Rail Infrastructure Fund to save up for new railway lines that Singapore is building.
Another S$2 billion will be set aside for premium subsidies and other forms of support for Eldershield, an insurance scheme that helps senior citizens with severe disabilities to cope with the financial demands of their daily care.
Latest Stories
-
Valencia coach Fernando Martin dies in Indonesia boat accident
8 minutes -
Nigeria AG’s intervention brings relief to River Park estate investors – JonahCapital
21 minutes -
High number of youth behind bars is a national loss – Ashanti regional prisons commander
38 minutes -
Nhyira Aboodoo shifts to monumental projects, injects GH₵270,000 into Ashanti orphanages
43 minutes -
Police restores calm after swoop operation at Aboso
56 minutes -
Through thick and thin in 2025: KGL Group makes national, global impact
59 minutes -
Clean Air Fund sets 2026 targets, pushing gov’t toward funding, tougher laws and real health gains on air pollution
1 hour -
New Year begins with 15.92% water and 9.86% electricity tariff hikes
2 hours -
TUC, PURC call for calm amid power tariff concerns, assure public of stakeholder engagement
2 hours -
New VAT is a game changer for Ghana’s revenue collection – GRA Boss
2 hours -
Adom FM’s Strictly Highlife comes off today at Palms Convention Centre
2 hours -
Relive the 90s: Joy FM’s 90’s Jam takes over this Friday
2 hours -
Relieve Ato Forson of Defence role to protect fiscal discipline – Franklin Cudjoe to Mahama
3 hours -
Ghana at a ‘critical crossroads’, must mentor youth in integrity – Duffuor
4 hours -
Foreign Affairs Minister completes rollout of Passport Application Centres in all regional capitals
4 hours
